Estelle S. Dempsey

Born on May 13, 1938, in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Estelle spent her childhood in Hartford and Edenton, North Carolina, before later moving with her husband, Jack Dempsey, to San Clemente, California. Sixty-five years ago, they settled in Austin, Texas, which remained her home for the rest of her life.

Estelle graduated from Edenton High School and attended college in Temple, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sarah and William R. West; her husband, Jack Dempsey; and her son, Mark Christopher Dempsey.

She is survived by her daughter, Amy Claire Dempsey; her daughter-in-law, Leigh Kellett Fletcher; her granddaughters, Katie Fletcher and Dr. Michelle Dantas Rocha; her goddaughter, Janet Taborn; and many friends.

Estelle served her community with generosity and care. Over the years, she held numerous leadership and volunteer roles, including Secretary of the Women’s Architectural League; Social Director of Beta Sigma Phi; Vice President of the Parent-Teacher Association; Co-Chair of Guides for Pecan Street; Secretary of her Neighborhood Association; President of Gamma Phi Beta Mothers at The University of Texas; Secretary of the Austin Junior Forum; Secretary of the Caswell House Board; President of Austin Junior Forum Sustainers; and member of the Save the Driskill Committee.

A lifelong lover of the arts, Estelle enjoyed acting and singing. She performed for four years in the Austin Forum Follies and sang with the Austin Civic Chorus for many years.

Estelle worked for Progressive Insurance and at the Texas State Legislature. Following her retirement, she remained active in the South Austin Book Club and the NOAH group at Bethany Lutheran Church. She enjoyed gardening, was a master thrift-shopper, and lovingly cared for many animals, including her cats Babycakes, Little Bullie, and Dusty.

To her family and friends, Estelle was a constant source of support, warmth, and encouragement. She lived her life with joy and generosity, sharing her light with everyone she met.

Funeral services will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a graveside service at 2:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden Cemetery on William Cannon Drive. Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church.